National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

Which of the following symptoms would disqualify a driver due to cardiovascular risk?

1. Regular exercise

2. Symptomatic heart failure

3. High cholesterol

4. Controlled blood pressure

The correct answer is: Symptomatic heart failure

Symptomatic heart failure is a critical condition that poses significant cardiovascular risks and can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. This condition indicates that the heart is not pumping blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or fluid retention. These symptoms can adversely affect a driver's attention, response time, and overall function while driving, which is why it leads to disqualification under DOT medical standards. In contrast, regular exercise, high cholesterol, and controlled blood pressure do not automatically lead to disqualification. Regular exercise is generally considered a positive lifestyle choice, high cholesterol can often be managed through medication and lifestyle changes, and controlled blood pressure indicates that the condition is being effectively managed. Thus, only symptomatic heart failure presents an immediate and significant risk that warrants disqualification for driving safety.